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2006-2007 Board of Education Meeting Summaries
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of
Education Monday,
June 11, 2007 Regular
Meeting The board of education
convened its final meeting for the current fiscal
year at 6 pm at the District Administrative Center
with all members in attendance. The highlights of
this last meeting included budget priorities in FY
08; decision-making for supplemental contracts;
receiving a brief presentation from district
patrons; and most of all, recognizing retiring
board members. Retiring
Board of Education Members
Recognized Santa Fe Trail USD 434
extended its appreciation and affirmation to three
members who are ending their terms of service on
June 30. The longest serving member, Fred Berry of
Scranton, leaves the governing body after 14 years
of service. Helping him receive the district's
affirmation were many of his family members who
were in attendance. Fred Berry not only provided
consistent and steady influence with district
governance, he also served as the local district's
representative to the Three Lakes Education Board
of Directors which added yet one more monthly
meeting to his already full schedule. Board
President Brad Shaffer received recognition for
giving eight years of continuous service that not
only included two formal board meetings each month
but also included countless hours of service with
the District Technology Committee and many arduous
hours of promoting improved facilities for the
children of Santa Fe Trail. Jim Jolly was given a
plaque noting appreciation for his four years of
service representing the Overbrook area. His
willingness to provide technical advisement for the
Maintenance & Operations department of the
school district was noted. All board members were
greeted by audience members during the refreshment
break. Superintendent Terry Schmidt and Assistant
Superintendent Sheree Gill noted the extreme
sacrifices given by board members and their family
members. Both officials expressed gratitude and
appreciation for the quality leadership;
perseverance in challenging times; and especially
the focus always given to the purpose of serving
children. Defibrillators
May Be Placed in All District
Schools Scranton Patron Ken Silver
and Scranton Principal Michael Flax requested board
support of emergency medical equipment placed in
all schools. Currently the district has one
defibrillator and it is placed at Santa Fe Trail
High School. Safety and security issues were
reviewed by the presenters. The board affirmed the
use of defibrillators at all schools and authorized
district administrators to return this item in
early August for final consideration. Patrons
Present Concerns Regarding Coaching and
Athletics
A group of parents
requested and received time to share their concerns
with the board of education about district
athletics and coaching assignments. The group was
led by Mrs. Nancy Fike and Mr. Zach Anshutz who
provided a prepared statement. The concerns
directed to the board included the processes used
to select head coaches for district teams and their
concerns about the district's commitment to provide
winning programs. The board of education received
the patrons' comments without follow-up questions
but expressed appreciation for their willingness to
attend a board meeting and offer input. Executive
Session The board of education
conducted a sixty-minute executive session to
review non-elected personnel and professional
employee negotiations. Included in the closed door
session were all district administrators who
provided annual recommendations for coaching and
organizational sponsorships. Following the
executive session, the board took action as
follows: Other
Board Actions . . . Meeting
Recess The board recessed the
meeting until Tuesday, June 19th at 5 pm at which
time the board will conclude its agenda work with a
brief executive session including board members and
the superintendent. The next regular meeting of the
board will be Monday, July 2, 2007 at 6 pm at the
District Administrative Center.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of
Education Thursday,
May 31, 2007 Special
Meeting The board of education convened a
special meeting at 12:30 pm on Thursday,
May 31, at the District Administrative
Center. Board members present included
President Brad Shaffer, Vice-President
Fred Berry, Carolyn Hug, Debbie Prochaska,
Randy Boudeman, and Jim Jolly. Board
members-elect who attended included Clay
Lee and Dana Mentzer. Administrators
present included Superintendent Terry
Schmidt, Interim Superintendent Steve
Pegram, and Deputy Clerk of the Board Amy
Hill. Executive
Session The board of education conducted a
fifteen minute executive session to
discuss non-elected personnel. Following
the executive session, the board voted
unanimously to accept a letter of
resignation from Carbondale Attendance
Center Principal Cherie Nicholson. Mrs.
Nicholson has accepted a position with the
Kansas State Department of Education and
will begin work there in July. The board
of education discussed several options in
filling the leadership void for the
Carbondale Attendance Center in the 2007 -
08 school year. Due to the time
constraints needed for recruitment,
interviewing, and selection, a decision
was made to appoint an Interim Principal
for the next school year. With unanimous
agreement, former Carbondale Attendance
Center Principal Ed Gerhardt has been
named and he has accepted the appointment.
Principal Ed Gerhardt will begin his work
at Carbondale in late July. Next
Meeting The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail
Board of Education will take place on
Monday, June 11, beginning at 6 pm. The
meeting will be held at the District
Administrative Center Board Room.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of
Education Monday,
May 14, 2007 Regular
Meeting The board of education convened its
meeting at 6 pm at the District
Administrative Center. All members were
present as President Brad Shaffer guided
the governing body through a long agenda
dominated by planning issues for the 2007
- 08 school year. Of special interest to
the board were two guest presentations.
Scranton Middle School Instructor Linda
Lilja introduced Cody Hunter, grade eight
student who recently won a VFW award for a
Patriot's Pen contest by submitting an
essay on the topic: Citizenship in
America. The board also welcomed Mrs.
Shari Untz who reviewed her recent travels
and experiences while serving as President
of the School Nutrition Association of
Kansas. Past
Business Items The board received an update regarding
the completed study for Supplemental
Salaries (coaching, sponsorships, etc)
that could be effective for the 2007 - 08
school year. Additional work will be
needed by the committee who formulated the
plan before it can be finalized in the
contract bargaining process. The board received a brief update from
High School Principal Brian Kraus
concerning the final draft of the 2007 -
08 student activity handbooks. Final
approval was granted by the board. Santa
Fe Trail High School Alternative School
Exploration Santa Fe Trail High School Principal
Brian Kraus provided a review of all
activities that have been completed to
develop a future alternative school
concept in USD 434. Mr. Kraus reviewed
work accomplished with the Southeast
Kansas Service Center to establish an
alternative school within the school
district. The planning phase with this
group ended when financing became an issue
for the sponsoring group. Principal Kraus and Assistant Supt.
Sheree Gill then reviewed work most
recently completed to collaborate with a
number of Shawnee County schools and other
schools north of Topeka to develop an
alternative learning site - possibly at
the Forbes Field Complex. This exploration
has not materialized due to the program
service objective not being compatible
with needs of schools in Santa Fe Trail.
It was determined by the board of
education that additional work should take
place in the next school year to develop a
budgeted plan for consideration. Art
Education in Santa Fe Trail Elementary
Schools The board of education received a
lengthy report from Art Instructor Sally
Riggs and the elementary school principals
that described a need to provide more art
instruction through the addition of a
teacher. It was reported that currently
the elementary art teacher has 45 total
classes serving 716 students in three
different buildings. With the workload
involved, the presenters discussed the
limited amount of time available for
adequate instruction. Two of the
elementary schools in the district operate
a schedule that allows for students to
have art education just twice per month.
The art instructor indicated she faces
significant restrictions in providing the
desired art instruction for elementary
learners including: instructional space,
storage space, a limited schedule to serve
all students, and difficulties in getting
materials in classrooms each day since
there is no special art room available at
any of the schools. The board expressed appreciation for
the information provided. Budget
restrictions will be examined with
continued budget work at the June 11
regular meeting. Special
Reading Instruction at the Scranton
Attendance Center Assistant Supt. Sheree Gill and
Scranton Principal Michael Flax presented
a proposal to provide special reading
instruction to qualified students at the
Scranton School. The Federal Government
(Title I) provides extra funds for schools
that have a qualified number of low income
students for extra help in learning
reading and mathematics. Two schools
qualify in Santa Fe Trail - Carbondale and
Scranton. Currently the Carbondale school
has a fulltime reading specialist funded
by Title I along with several Title I
paraprofessionals. The Scranton School
only has paraprofessional help for
students needing help in reading. The
proposal as presented by the
administrators would implement a half-time
reading specialist using existing staff
resources. With an unusually small class
in a primary grade, certain combinations
in instruction would free a teacher on
staff to provide Title I reading. There
would not be any additional budget costs
with the staff reassignment in the 2007 -
08 school year. Much discussion occurred
concerning the placement of a full-time
reading specialist at the Scranton School.
The board did vote by a 5 - 2 margin to
approve the plan as presented with staff
realignment due to small class sizes and
limited budget authority in the next
fiscal year. Santa
Fe Trail Technology Committee Annual
Report Technology Coordinator Sean Nelson
provided an overview of the technology
needs assessment as completed by the
District Technology Committee. The needs
identified by the staff provided a total
fiscal note in excess of $190,000. The
current budget for technology is $85,000
per year plus a limited number of
available dollars in the vocational
education fund. As reported by the
Technology Coordinator, the committee had
whittled the requested dollars to $105,000
for the next school year. After much
discussion and debate, the board
determined the new technology acquisitions
should be limited to the current
resources. The board voted 5 - 2 to not
spend more than $85,000 in the next fiscal
year for instructional technology. Curriculum
Coordinating Council (CCC) Report and
Recommendations The board of education received the
annual report and suggestions for the
instructional programs of Santa Fe Trail
USD 434. The CCC is comprised of twenty
members who represent district teachers,
district principals, community members,
and board of education members. The CCC is
the clearing house for all suggested
curriculum programs and resource
materials. The board of education approved
on a vote of 5 - 2 the reports provided
and authorized a two-year expenditure plan
for resource materials. Included were: a
change in the grade two reading diagnostic
assessment; approval for a course addition
called 'Real Life Math Applications at
SFTHS'; the k-12 science proposal;
acceptance of the District Wellness Plan
Evaluation; acceptance of the Accelerated
Math Program; the updated social studies
resources list; expenditures totaling
$89,088 in FY 08 and $80,727 in FY 09. In
Other Board Business . .
. Executive
Session The board of education conducted a
35-minute executive session to review a
student matter, items affecting
non-elected personnel, and professional
employee negotiations. Superintendent's
Report The board reviewed communications from
each school and from department directors.
The board discussed annual appointments to
various committees, boards, and
representations for the next fiscal year.
The board reviewed upcoming calendar dates
that will involve each. Next
Meeting The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail
Board of Education will take place on
Monday, June 11 beginning at 6 pm. The
meeting will be held at the District
Administrative Center Board Room.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of
Education Monday,
May 9, 2007 Special
Meeting The board of education convened a
special meeting at 6:15 pm in the
Conference Room of the District
Administrative Center. Board members in
attendance included Brad Shaffer, Fred
Berry, Randy Boudeman, Jim Jolly, Carolyn
Hug, and Brad Fischer. Waiver
of Notice The board unanimously approved a Waiver
of Notice to allow the board to meet in
this special session. Executive
Session The board conducted a seven minute
executive session for the purpose of
discussing non-elected personnel.
Following the executive session the board
authorized a contract for Steven E. Pegram
to serve as Interim Superintendent of
Schools effective July 2, 2007 through
June 30, 2008 at a total compensation
package of $103,000. Voting for the motion
were Brad Shaffer, Fred Berry, Brad
Fischer, Randy Boudeman, and Jim Jolly.
Voting against was Carolyn Hug. Next
Meeting The next regular meeting of the Santa
Fe Trail Board of Education will take
place on Monday, May 14 beginning at 6 pm.
The meeting will be held at the District
Administrative Center Board Room.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of
Education Monday,
May 7, 2007 Special
Meeting The board of education convened a
special meeting at 3 pm in the Board Room
of the District Administrative Center. All
board members were present including board
members-elect Joe Gast, Clay Lee, and Dana
Mentzer. Waiver
of Notice The board unanimously approved a Waiver
of Notice to allow the board to meet in
this special session. Executive
Session The board conducted a five hour
executive session for the purpose of
interviewing candidates for the position:
Interim Superintendent of Schools. Following the lengthy executive
session, no action was taken. Next
Meeting The next regular meeting of the Santa
Fe Trail Board of Education will take
place on Monday, May 14 beginning at 6 pm.
The meeting will be held at the District
Administrative Center Board Room.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of
Education Monday,
April 23, 2007 Regular
Meeting The board of education convened its
meeting at 6 pm in the Commons of the
Carbondale Attendance Center. The board
spent several minutes of the open meeting
recognizing individual students and
teachers. Superintendent Terry Schmidt
announced to the Board the large number of
students who have qualified for the
status: State of Kansas Scholar. These
students are Tara Arnwine, Alex Boss,
Janel Clements, Monica Day, Jacob Havens,
Andrew Linenberger, Tyler Metcalf, Brooke
Pryor, Philip Schiffelbein. Superintendent
Terry Schmidt introduced Second Grade
Instructor Diane Lang, a Fulbright Award
winner. Mrs. Lang discussed her award and
her plans for the coming summer months as
she travels to Japan. The Board of
Education recognized SFT Division III -
2nd place Odyssey of the Mind winners
Philip Schiffelbein, Vicky Robbins,
Kaleigh Poole, Levi Sund, Krista Logan,
Brenna Kaff, Chase McIver, and Coach Mrs.
Tina McIver. Mrs. McIver discussed the
plans of this group to travel to the World
Championships in Lansing, Michigan. Assistant Superintendent Sheree Gill
introduced teachers selected for the 2007
- 08 Santa Fe Trail Teachers of the Year,
and explained the selection process. The
Board recognized Ann Blosser, Elementary
Teacher of the Year and Paul Schmidt,
Secondary Teacher of the Year. Board
of Education Forms Partnership with the
Scranton PTO The board of education received
follow-up information from the Scranton
PTO organization for the planned
playground improvements during the coming
summer months. The board voted unanimously
to assist with the project through a
contribution of $9,000. Board
Receives Report: Supplemental Contract
Study District Director of Activities Dave
Watkins provided the Board an overview of
the proposed new structure for
supplemental contract assignments showing
current costs and anticipated costs. The
study will now move the Santa Fe Trail
Education Association and the board's
bargaining team for discussion in
professional employee negotiations. The
study and recommendations would result in
new dollar amounts awarded to sponsors,
coaches, and others who fall under the
supplemental contract provisions. The
estimated costs to implement the full
study in 2007 - 08 are approximately
$38,000. No final decision for the new
supplemental salary amounts can be made
until the conclusion of the professional
employee negotiations process. In
Other Board of Education Business . .
. Executive
Session The board of education conducted a
35-minute executive session to review
items concerning non-elected personnel and
professional employee negotiations.
Following the executive session, the board
took action to employ Kevin and Angela
Stone as FAST LANE Site Coordinators at
Overbrook and approved a contract for Amy
Crotinger to serve as TrailNet Clerk. Superintendent's
Report The board reviewed communications from
each school and from department directors.
In addition, the board received a brief
update from Member Fred Berry concerning
the Three Lakes Education Cooperative. Recessed
Meeting The Santa Fe Trail Board of Education
recessed its meeting until Tuesday, April
24, 2007, 8 pm at the District
Administrative Center. Board
of Education Reconvenes Meeting on
Tuesday, April 24 - 8
pm The board reconvened its meeting at the
District Administrative Center and
immediately recessed to executive session
to discuss non-elected personnel items. In
addition to the six board members present,
newly elected board members Joe Gast, Clay
Lee, and Dana Mentzer were invited to the
executive session discussion. The board of
education worked in executive session for
90 minutes. Following the executive
session, the board of education took the
following action:
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of
Education Monday,
April 9, 2007 Regular
Meeting The board of education convened its
meeting on Monday, April 9, 2007 in the
media center of the Scranton School. The
board welcomed newly elected members Joe
Gast, Clay Lee, and Dana Mentzer who will
each begin four year terms of service on
July 1, 2007. The board provided formal
recognition to Overbrook Kindergarten
Instructor Rhonda Cathey who led her
students in a school-wide fundraising
effort to assist the fire damaged
elementary school in Seneca, KS. The board
provided formal recognition to the
district's Odyssey of the Mind program as
it recently completed a very successful
season at all levels. The SFTHS team
recently took second place in state
competition and will travel to Michigan in
late May to compete in the national
championship. Scranton
Grade Eight Class Trip
Approved The board received a request from
Scranton Middle School teachers to sponsor
a student trip to Branson, Missouri. The
students and sponsors have successfully
fundraised all costs for the trip. The
board of education unanimously approved
the out-of-state trip per board of
education policy. Maintenance
Department Reports Sub-Soil Water Issues
at Carbondale and
Scranton District Director of Maintenance Corky
Green outlined for the board of education
current and past issues with sub-soil
moisture. Past practices to correct the
problems and recent problem solutions
provided by an engineering firm were
discussed. The board unanimously agreed to
continue a work agreement with the
engineering firm of Terracon, Topeka to
find answers to current problems. The
board continued its discussion for a
long-term sub-soil water issue at
Carbondale. Scranton
PTO Group Proposes Playground
Improvements Scranton PTO representatives Chad
Myrick, Joy Schmidt, and Linda Vandevord
provided an overview of improvements
planned for the playground. The projects
could total as much as $20,000. Through
exhaustive fundraising and cooperating
partners, the PTO hopes to complete the
project before the start of the 2007 - 08
school year. The board of education plans
to share in the costs of the playground
project and will take formal action at a
future meeting. Other
Board Business . . . Executive
Session The board of education conducted a
30-minute executive session to review
items affecting non-elected personnel.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of
Education Monday,
March 12, 2007 Regular
Meeting The Santa Fe Trail USD 434 Board of
Education conducted its only meeting for
March under the guidance of BOE President
Brad Shaffer. Highlighting the evening's
work was the official recognition of the
2007 State Wrestling Team who received a
3rd place trophy. Recognized by the board
were student athletes: Josh Cauthon, Chris
Ewing, Jake Kober, Charlie Shively, Ryan
Weaver, Chase Wells, and coaches Regan
Erickson, Kirk Wiscombe, Lonnie Morford,
and Jerod Rigdon. Presentations
Received by the Board of
Education The Board received two presentations
including one from District Staff Member
Regan Erickson and the other from Mr. Don
Shultz, representing the Overbrook Park
Development Committee. Regan Erickson, a tenth year veteran
teacher/wrestling coach with USD 434,
reviewed his program's successes and
challenges. High on the list of needs
within the high school wrestling program
is the need for improved practice
facilities. Mr. Erickson outlined needed
facility improvements that will result in
the program's continued success. Don Shultz, representing the Overbrook
Park Development Committee, provided a
visual and oral update concerning the
planned new park for the Overbrook
community. The presentation revealed
several features of the proposed park that
could benefit outdoor learning activities
for students. Other
Board Business . . . Next
Meeting The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail
Board of Education will take place on
Monday, April 9 beginning at 6 pm. The
meeting will be held at the Scranton
Attendance Center.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of
Education Monday,
February 26, 2007 Regular
Meeting The board of education convened its
meeting at the Overbrook Attendance Center
Library with all board members in
attendance. Board President Brad Shaffer
led the board through an agenda dominated
by funding requests and program
updates. Santa
Fe Trail High School Baseball and Softball
Playing Sites The board of education reviewed its
involvement with the communities of
Overbrook and Carbondale in the use of
baseball diamonds and softball diamonds
respectively. Since the inception of the
two competitive sports for high school
students, the district has benefited from
the use of facilities at no cost. With the
planned facility changes at the Overbrook
City Park and the need to continue the
very satisfactory playing fields at
Carbondale, a decision was made to provide
a one time $5,000 payment to both the
Overbrook Ball Association and to the
Carbondale Recreation Commission
contingent on the successful
implementation of facility improvements
with the planned special grant funding.
The board also determined that each year
it would review a nominal sustained
financial commitment. The board action
passed on a vote of 5 - 1 with member
Randy Boudeman not present for the voting
due to a potential conflict of
interest. Overbrook
Playground and Scranton Track Practice
Sites Receive Action The board reviewed the needs presented
to improve the playground gate area at
Overbrook and reviewed the need to provide
better and safer ground areas for Scranton
students who participate in track/field
activities. As a result of board action,
approval was granted to spend $1406 for
the installation of a new north gate and
other minor changes for the Overbrook
Attendance Center and approval was granted
for site work at the Scranton Attendance
Center in the amount of $2595. Work is to
begin as soon as the weather is
favorable. In
Other Board of Education Business . .
. Superintendent's
Report The board reviewed communications from
each school and from department directors.
In addition, the board received a brief
update from Member Fred Berry concerning
the Three Lakes Education Cooperative. Next
Meeting The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail
Board of Education will take place on
Monday, March 12, 2007 beginning at 6 pm.
The meeting will be held at the District
Administrative Center Board Room.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of Education Monday,
January 29, 2007 Regular
Meeting The board of education convened at 6 pm
for its regular meeting at the District
Administrative Center. All board members
were present to participate in a two and
one-half hour work session to complete job
performance reviews of district
administrators and department
directors. BOE
Reviews Failed Bond Issue and Received
Patron Comments The board of education discussed the
bond issue defeat of January 23 and
determined the next several months would
be a time of listening to community
members and gathering information before
any future bond referendum is planned.
Several patrons were present during this
discussion and shared their ideas with the
board. Patron comment time will be
provided on each board meeting agenda in
the weeks and months ahead. All future
board meetings will have an open forum
time at 7 pm. BOE
Conducts Lengthy Executive
Session The board of education met for nearly
three hours in executive session to review
and complete formal performance reviews of
all district administrators and directors.
In addition to the discussion of
personnel, the board briefly discussed
professional employee negotiations.
Following the executive session, Supt.
Terry Schmidt recommended to the board
that all building principals, department
directors, and the assistant
superintendent receive one year contract
extensions. The board unanimously approved
the suggested action. The board completed the annual
performance review of Supt. Terry Schmidt.
Following the review, the board
unanimously extended the superintendent's
contract by an additional year and
authorized a 3.2% salary increase for the
current contract year. Consent
Agenda Items The board reviewed communications from
each school and from department directors.
In addition, the board received a brief
update from Member Fred Berry concerning
the Three Lakes Education Cooperative. Next
Meeting The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail
Board of Education will take place on
Monday, February 12 beginning at 6 pm. The
meeting will be held at Santa Fe Trail
High School, Room 109.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of Education Monday,
January 8, 2007 Regular
Meeting The Santa Fe Trail Board of Education
met for its first meeting in January to
consider a lengthy agenda that included
two executive sessions and numerous report
updates. Due to conflicting school
activities only five members could attend.
BOE President Brad Shaffer released a
surprise press announcement as follows:
"Santa Fe Trail USD 434 was contacted in
recent days by an anonymous donor who
would like to show continued support for
the school district's future. The generous
friend of Santa Fe Trail USD 434 has
watched from a distance the efforts made
within the school community to pass a bond
referendum without success. Because of
this donor's appreciation to the school
district and for the education programs of
the district, the donor announces a gift
of $100,000 to assist Santa Fe Trail USD
434 with the improvement of its
facilities. The Santa Fe Trail USD 434
Board of Education is overwhelmed by the
support of its past students and patrons.
It is with great gratitude the board
welcomes and receives this most generous
gift." Santa
Fe Trail Education
Foundation The board of education affirmed the
first set of directors for the newly
formed education foundation and authorized
the school district attorney to finalize
all remaining documents including the
final application for tax exempt status.
Those named to the new board of directors
include: Mr. Dean Tucker, Carbondale, Mrs.
Nancy Fike, Carbondale, Mrs. Karen
Barezinsky, Scranton, Mr. Gary DeShazer,
Scranton, Mr. Don Hylton, Overbrook, Mr.
Derrick Dahl, Overbrook, Mr. Randy
Boudeman, USD 434 BOE Representative and
Mr. Terry Schmidt, Supt. of Schools, USD
434 - ex officio. Capital
Outlay Fund Priorities in FY 07 and
Beyond The board reviewed the current capital
outlay fund that is projected to have
$600,000 by the end of the current fiscal
year. Due to needed kitchen updates at
Overbrook and Carbondale in addition to
other equipment acquisitions, the board
has determined the capital outlay fund
needs to be limited for its uses in order
to better manage needs in the school
district. The board's ongoing commitment
to keep the district's instrumental
program up-to-standard will result in
other district budgets used and not solely
rely on the capital outlay fund. The board
will continue to look at needs in the
instrumental music program at its February
meetings. Extra-curricular
Leagues in Santa Fe Trail USD
434 District administrators provided
updated reports concerning league
affiliations for Santa Fe Trail High
School and the Scranton Attendance Center.
Principal Brian Kraus reported that talks
continue to form a 'super' league
structure comprised of three six team
divisions. An update will return to the
board in late spring. Director of
Activities Dave Watkins reported the slow
demise of the Sunflower League for
Scranton. With only one or two small
schools left in the league within a year
or two, Scranton will be forced to develop
its own independent schedule of games for
junior high students. Other
Board of Education Business . .
. Board
Meeting Adjournment The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail
board will be Monday, January 29, 6 pm at
the District Administrative Center. This
meeting will be a work session conducted
in executive session to consider the
performance reviews of professional
staff. Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of Education Monday,
December 11, 2006 Regular
Meeting The board of education convened its
meeting at 6 pm in the Board Room of the
District Administrative Center. Grace
Community Church Senior Pastor Elvin
Dillard provided pre-board meeting
activities. The board welcomed Mr. Craig
Meier of Overbrook. A web developer, Mr.
Meier was recognized by the board for his
many hours of volunteerism to help support
the recent bond referendum through his
work with TrailBond.org. Mr. Meier also
explained to the board of education how
his company could partner with Santa Fe
Trail to use Internet based advertising
for a school donation. Mr. Meier and his
company will share additional information
at a follow-up board meeting. The board of
education provided formal recognition to
Vice-President Fred Berry and Member
Debbie Prochaska for their involvement in
continuing education activities for the
past year. School
Audit Report Provides Good News . .
. Dave Bogner, CPA, from the firm of
Bogner & Long in Lawrence presented
the annual audit report for fiscal year
'06. According to the auditor, district
financial records were in excellent shape
and all funds were audited as acceptable
with no difficulties. Bogner & Long
was once again approved to provide the new
audit for fiscal year '07. Santa
Fe Trail Board of Education Approves the
Establishment of an Education
Foundation After several years of discussion and
waiting, the Santa Fe Trail Board of
Education gave enthusiastic support to
documents provided by School
Superintendent Terry Schmidt to establish
the Santa Fe Trail Education Foundation.
The Articles of Incorporation were
approved by naming Mr. Don Hylton,
long-time district treasurer, as the
Incorporator. He will also join the
foundation as a future director. Board of
Education members submitted nominations
for others to serve on the foundation
board. Formal affirmations of the
suggested directors will be provided at
the next regular meeting. Curriculum
& Instruction Reports Reveal Learning
Gains in USD 434 Assistant Superintendent Sheree Gill
provided extensive reports about students
and learning through the annual testing
programs in Santa Fe Trail Schools. The
district's program called Measures of
Academic Progress (M.A.P.) found
significant gains over the past year. The
M.A.P. testing program closely aligns with
the mandated State of Kansas Assessment
Program. The assessment tool guides the
professional teaching staff in determining
how best to meet the needs of learners in
grades three through eleven. Official results of the 2006 Kansas
Assessment Testing Program found huge
gains in students' scores. Assistant Supt.
Sheree Gill attributed the success to a
strong curriculum, to aggressive
instructional leadership from building
principals, and to a well-informed,
skilled group of teachers who help
students prepare for the state-mandated
tests. The Santa Fe Trail School District
for the fourth consecutive year has
reached the required status of Adequate
Yearly Progress mandated by the federal
law called No Child Left Behind. Most importantly, the schools of Santa
Fe Trail have reached 15 Standards of
Excellence designations as compared to 8
awarded one year ago. Leading the way was
the Overbrook Attendance Center with 6,
followed by the Carbondale Attendance
Center with 5, the Scranton Attendance
Center with 3, and Santa Fe Trail High
School with 1. School
Security Issues at the Carbondale
Attendance Center Board of Education members reviewed
several school security issues at the
Carbondale site. Since touring the school
and studying the effects of poor security,
the board asked for several ideas and
proposals. Director of Maintenance &
Operations Corky Green, along with CAC
Principal Cherie Nicholson, presented
options to increase building safety for
students and school staff. Concepts
tentatively agreed to include the
installation of doors where none exist
going into the primary wing and a new
entry into the administrative office area
to ensure all visitors report in before
visiting any classroom or other school
areas. District staff were instructed to
return on January 8 with the results of
competitive bidding. January
23, 2007 School Bond Referendum
Update The board reviewed planning tasks for
the next election in Santa Fe Trail USD
434. It was reported that several teams of
community workers are well underway with
certain activities in preparation for the
January 23rd election. The board
determined that a general information
brochure will be mailed not later than
January 5, 2007. In addition, the
community volunteer website TrailBond.org
will become current and functioning within
a few days. The bond referendum for
January 23 will be identical to the
November 7 initiative that failed by 22
votes. School district architects and
planners have indicated a January election
can maintain the same budget amounts but
if an election would be conducted later in
the spring, substantial cost increases
could be experienced. Board
Members Worked in Executive
Session The board of education conducted a
60-minute executive session to review a
student matter, to discuss professional
employee negotiations, and most
importantly, to review non-tenured teacher
performance reviews. At the conclusion of
the executive session no official action
was taken. Other
Board Business: Next
Meeting The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail
Board of Education will take place on
Monday, January 8 beginning at 6 pm. The
meeting will be held at the District
Administrative Center Board Room. The
board determined the second meeting in
January will be moved to January 29, 6 pm
at Santa Fe Trail High School.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of Education Monday,
November 13, 2006 Regular
Meeting The board of education convened its meeting at 6
pm on Monday, November 13 with all members present.
BOE President Brad Shaffer led the board through an
agenda highlighted by guest presenters and a
discussion of the November 7 school bond
election. Overbrook
Park Development Committee Jon Brady representing the Overbrook Park
Development Committee reviewed plans underway to
significantly improve park facilities in Overbrook
that would include the redevelopment of the
baseball playing facilities. Santa Fe Trail High
School uses the ball diamonds in Overbrook for its
competition activities. According to Mr. Brady, the
ball fields will undergo extensive renovation. The
Development Committee would like to have school
staff representation on any planning for the site's
improvement. The Board of Education endorsed this
collaborative effort and instructed the District
Director of Activities to become the contact point
in USD 434 with the Overbrook Park Development
Committee. School
Bond Election Defeat and Next
Actions Board of Education members discussed at great
length the recent narrow defeat of the district's
facilities improvement plan. Numerous patrons were
in the audience to hear the discussion and offered
opinions (pro/con). Board members discussed a quick
return to the voters since 49.6% voted in favor on
November 7. The board of education unanimously
decided to return with a third election on Tuesday,
January 23, 2007. The plan and dollar amount will
not change. A district-wide publication will be
mailed in the first week of January reviewing the
bond referendum and the planned facility
improvements. The board authorized district staff,
the district's bond legal counsel, and the
district's bond adviser to complete all necessary
documents to have an election on January 23,
2007. Reapportionment
of School Board Member Voting
Districts As required by Kansas Statute, the board of
education took action to formally reapportion the
voting districts for board member elections on
April 3, 2007. The current voting districts have
not been changed since the district was unified. A
law passed by the 2006 State Legislature, requires
that voting districts not have more than a 5%
differential in population. With unanimous
advice/consent from all four School Site Councils,
the board opted to change boundaries instead of
using a plan where all board members are elected as
'at large'. The new plan significantly expands the
boundaries for the Scranton area. New boundary maps
will be published in the Osage county newspapers
and posted on the school district's website:
www.usd434.org . Other
Board Business . . . BOE President Brad Shaffer recessed the meeting
until 6:30 pm on Wednesday, November 15. Reconvened
Board of Education Meeting - November 15, 6:30
pm BOE President Brad Shaffer reconvened the
November 13 meeting with six members present. John
McArthur, school bond adviser from the Oppenheimer
Company, discussed a projected timeline for a
future school bond election. The board unanimously
adopted a resolution to conduct a special election
on Tuesday, January 23, 2007. BOE
President Brad Shaffer adjourned the meeting at
7:23 pm with no further action
taken. Next
Meeting The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail Board of
Education will take place on Monday, December 11
beginning at 6 pm. The meeting will be held at the
District Administrative Center Board Room.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of Education Monday,
October 23, 2006 Regular
Meeting The board of education convened its meeting at
the Carbondale Attendance Center to continue its
effort to bring board meetings to each community.
The board welcomed several guests at 6 pm with
recognitions followed by special program
presentations. Prior to convening the meeting, BOE
President Brad Shaffer with Principal Cheri
Nicholson provided a tour of the Carbondale School
highlighting areas of concern for safety and
security. Three
Lakes Education Cooperative Staff
Honored The Santa Fe Trail Board presented certificates
of appreciation to Jennifer Barnhart, Three Lakes
Director; Brenda Wigger, Three Lakes Vocational
Coordinator; and Staci Jones, Three Lakes
Paraeducator. Each of the three staff who serves
the students of Santa Fe Trail was recognized for
job actions that provided a safe, learning/teaching
environment for students involved in a special
work/study program. Carbondale
Staff Present Program Highlights District Elementary Art Instructor Sally Riggs
delivered a program overview of art in the
elementary school grades. The Board gave special
attention to the numerous student wall displays
found throughout the school. Grade Four Instructors Cindy Moulin, Amanda
Untz, and Carrie Johanning, shared with the board
of education how their use of Measures of Academic
Progress in grade four in skill identification
allows students to achieve at higher levels in the
subjects of reading and mathematics. Subsoil
Moisture Problem at Scranton Is
Reviewed Director of Maintenance & Operations Corky
Green provided an update concerning the onsite
visit at the Scranton Attendance Center by an
engineer with Terracon of Topeka. No decision
concerning a remedy for subsoil water issues is
ready but work continues to review original subsoil
reports and other data from the construction of
1993 - 94. After the source of the water is
determined, final repairs are planned for the
commons floor of SAC. Carbondale
School Tour Reveals Concerns for
Safety Board of Education members discussed their
observations about the Carbondale School following
a thirty minute tour. Local contractor Jim
Abendroth provided some ideas/solutions to make the
entry of the school safer - especially the primary
wing that can be accessed without administrative
office awareness. BOE members also expressed
concern for the safety of early childhood learners
who have a program in the detached mobile unit
located west of the main building. The topic of
school safety for the Carbondale Attendance Center
will be revisited by the board on November 13.
Costs for security doors and video surveillance
will be reviewed then. Reapportionment
of School Board Member Voting Districts is
Discussed The Santa Fe Trail Board of Education provided a
first look at possible reapportionment lines for
board member voting districts. The reapportionment
will have no change on current attendance center
boundaries. The board has determined it would
prefer each school's site council to examine the
reapportionment presented and compare the new plan
to a voting plan that would have all board member
election districts be 'at large'. A
map of the proposed reapportionment can be found by
clicking here. BOE members will make a decision
concerning future reapportionment at the November
13 regular meeting. November 7
School Bond Referendum Update and
Review Board of Education members discussed the
forthcoming bond election. The 14.5 million dollar
issue requires local taxpayers to pay 8.6 million
of the costs with the State of Kansas paying the
balance. Board members reviewed numerous efforts
provided by the Bond Support Teams of USD 434 to
encourage voter participation and to vote with
knowledge. With nearly 65% of the district's
patrons living without children in schools, the
board has determined it is critically important for
parents of students to participate in this
election. BOE President Brad Shaffer reported that
21 different speaking activities were completed to
share the district's message. Two activities remain
on the calendar for voter information updates. BOE
members will speak at the Overbrook Rotary Club on
Tuesday, October 31, 7 am and at the Trailhands
Kids Wrestling Orientation Meeting on Wednesday,
November 1 at 6 pm. Athletic
Field Maintenance and Track Program Needs are
Reviewed District Director of Activities Dave Watkins,
Head Track Coach Lucas Boss, and Maintenance
Director Corky Green provided an update on needed
maintenance for the all-weather surface on the
athletic field. It was reported that most
all-weather tracks need patching/resurfacing every
five years. Santa Fe Trail USD 434 has been
fortunate for its track to last seven years without
significant maintenance. The BOE unanimously
authorized school officials to complete the
required maintenance in a timely fashion. Head Track Coach Lucas Boss and AD Dave Watkins
requested special funding to provide track athletes
the opportunity to participate in pole vaulting. In
order to provide mandated safety standards, a new
pole vault pit with regulation standards are
required. The board unanimously authorized the
Activities Director to secure competitive pricing
and acquire this equipment in time for the 2007
track & field season. Executive
Session The board of education conducted a 20-minute
executive session to review a student matter,
professional employee negotiations, and
recommendations for personnel. Following the
executive session, the board took action as
follows: Consent
Agenda Approved The following items were given unanimous consent
approval: Superintendent's
Report The board reviewed communications from each
school and from department directors. In addition,
the board received a brief update from Member Fred
Berry concerning the Three Lakes Education
Cooperative. Final planning discussion was also
given for the 2006 Kansas Association of School
Boards annual conference. Next
Meeting The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail Board of
Education will take place on Monday, November 13
beginning at 6pm. The meeting will be held at the
District Administrative Center Board Room. The
meeting of October 23 adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of Education Monday,
October 10, 2006 Regular
Meeting The board of education convened its meeting at 6
pm in the Board Room of the District Administrative
Center. The evening was highlighted by a student
presentation from the Overbrook Attendance Center
and by the recognition of the USD 434 Food Service
Department as part of National School Lunch Week.
All board members were present as Brad Shaffer led
the discussions through several subjects. National
School Lunch Week Recognition Board of Education members extended appreciation
to all district food service workers in Santa Fe
Trail for the work that provides in excess of
250,000 meals during a typical school year and
nearly 365 breakfasts daily. The board received
comments from Mrs. Shari Untz, President of the
School Nutrition Association of Kansas. Mrs. Untz
has worked at the Carbondale food service site for
twenty years. BOE President Brad Shaffer presented
an award plaque to Mrs. Carroll Schooler for being
named the 2006 Kansas Food Service Director of the
Year. Overbrook
Renaissance Program Requests Policy
Waiver Overbrook grade 7 students Alexis Cunningham and
Elizabeth Welch presented a request from the
Renaissance Program in Overbrook to waive the
school colors requirement in Policy CP. Instructors
who accompanied the students were sponsors Mrs.
Sandra Meats and Mrs. Kristy Hamit. The board
determined that an exception should be made to
current policy. Emergency
Medical Services for the Students in
Extra-curricular Activities The board examined an issue regarding the safety
of students involved with extra-curricular
activities. Not all schools in competition have
readily available medical services. Rather than
adopt a formal policy mandating such service, the
board determined medical assistant services would
be provided by district schools as a good practice
for the benefit of student athletes. The District
Director of Activities will have emergency medical
technicians available at any home sport activity
conducted on the campus of Santa Fe Trail High
School. In addition the District AD will ensure
that any sport activity conducted at any elementary
school campus will have on-call emergency medical
service. Effective as soon as possible, Santa Fe
Trail schools will not participate in any
out-of-district sports activity unless it is
ensured the emergency medical technicians are
available. Pupil -
Teacher Ratios Are Examined Board of Education members received its first
(of many) reports concerning class sizes in grades
1 to 12. The information received will be the
starting point for the identification of
appropriate staffing numbers for the 2007 - 08
school year. Other
Board Business and Discussion
Topics: Executive
Session The board of education conducted a 40-minute
executive session to review professional employee
negotiations and non-elected personnel. Following
the executive session, the board took no formal
action.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of Education Monday,
September 25, 2006 Regular
Meeting The board of education convened its meeting at
the Scranton Attendance Center as part of the
ongoing effort to bring board of education meetings
closer to the communities. Prior to the 6 pm start,
the board toured the Scranton school and viewed
needed maintenance items and received an overview
of building needs from Principal Michael Flax. The
6 pm convened meeting found many presenters and
discussion presentations for the board of
education. The board received greetings and
presentation topics from Scranton PTO President Joy
Schmidt and Scranton Site Council Representative
Anna Kendall. Scranton
Program Highlight "Literacy for All" at Scranton was shared with
the board of education by Instructor Linda Lilja.
Getting pre-school children interested in reading
has been accomplished through the work of Mrs.
Lilja to establish a program called Imagination
Library that provides books to any community child
from birth through age five. Sponsors are secured
to help pay for the books that children receive.
Programs such as Accelerated Reader, Just the
Facts, Jack, Book Battles, Guided Reading, and
leveled special interest books - all contribute to
better readers at the Scranton School who in turn
produced quality results with the Kansas Assessment
Program. BOE
Discusses Its Tour of the Scranton School
The board of education reviewed its observations
of the Scranton facility. It was determined by
consensus that district maintenance staff would
secure the services of a soil engineer to validate
and locate a source of moisture that permeates and
ruins the Scranton commons floor. Permanent repairs
and floor replacements will be considered at a
future board meeting. District
Director of Activities Provides a
Review David Watkins, district director of activities,
reviewed his operations as this newly incorporated
position for 2006/07 is well underway. He reviewed
the challenges and opportunities found with the
coordination of activities in four different
attendance centers. As reported, he has been able
to experience some economies by coordinating all
transportation services and collective purchasing
of needed supplies/equipment. As reported by the
Director, the first year of operations will
continue to find challenges but the framework
installed now should lend itself to a smooth
transition when the school board determines there
will be one consolidated junior high activities
program. High
School Discipline Code Gets
Reviewed Principal Brian Kraus of SFTHS provided an
overview of the newly implemented discipline code
in effect for the current school year. Mr. Kraus
reported a drastic decline in the number of serious
behavior issues as compared to one year ago. Board
members provided follow-up questions and concerns.
As adopted by the board one year ago and strongly
supported this year, the new discipline code has
shown marked improvement in the building climate of
SFTHS. Bond
Referendum of November 7 in the
News Board President Brad Shaffer reviewed the
numerous activities that are underway to share
information with the communities of Santa Fe Trail
USD 434. District administrators reported that a
brochure entitled "Bond Referendum Facts" was
distributed to all students and staff. Extra
brochures will be available to community members
and community bond support teams. A major
publication called Trail Talk will be sent to each
district patron's mailing address during the week
of October 2. It will detail the problems that
currently exist in school facilities, the board's
solutions to the problems, and the costs that must
be paid by district patrons. President Shaffer shared with the board a
community member's volunteer work in the
establishment of an Internet website called
www.trailbond.org.
The site is now open and can be viewed by anyone
with access to a computer. It has begun with basic
information about the November 7 election and will
have items added every few days. Board of education members and district
administrators reported that enthusiasm for the
bond referendum is growing each day. Board members
are continuing to make presentations and talking to
as many community groups as possible. Other
Board Business: Superintendent's
Report The board reviewed communications from each
school and from department directors. In addition,
the board received a brief update from Member Fred
Berry concerning the Three Lakes Education
Cooperative. Preliminary plans were confirmed for
the board of education to attend the annual Kansas
Association of School Boards state conference
during the first weekend of December. Next
Meeting The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail Board of
Education will take place on Tuesday, October 10
beginning at 6 pm. The rare Tuesday meeting is a
result of the Columbus Day holiday on October 9.
The meeting will be held at the District
Administrative Center Board Room. Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of Education Monday,
September 11, 2006 Regular
Meeting The Santa Fe Trail Board of Education conducted
its first meeting in September with Board President
Brad Shaffer leading the agenda dominated by
reports and new policy considerations. Professional
Development Council Update Assistant Supt. Sheree Gill returned to the
board with an update in planning from members of
the district's Professional Development Council.
The council has established a priority to operate
at each attendance center Professional Learning
Communities where educators will meet on a regular
basis to study school improvement topics and to
discuss ways to improve professional service to the
students of USD 434. The special Professional
Learning Communities will operate without any
significant change in the school calendar. Board
members were encouraged to observe the activities
of the Professional Learning Communities at any
time during the school year. Board
Continues Its Discussion of the November 7 School
Bond Referendum Board President Brad Shaffer reviewed future
activities scheduled in the school communities to
disseminate information about the upcoming
referendum. All board members have volunteered
their time to meet with small groups of district
employees and to actively become involved in bond
referendum support teams in the communities of
Carbondale, Overbrook, and Scranton. Voters will
determine on November 7 the fate for district
facilities improvements that will provide much
needed renovated space and additions on the campus
of Santa Fe Trail High School. High
School Students Complete the ACT Testing
Program Associate High School Principal David Swaim
provided an in-depth report showing the results of
student's efforts for the ACT program in the 2005 -
2006 school year. Approximately 50 students
completed the testing - a volunteer college
placement test taken annually by juniors and
seniors. Shown in the table below are the results
for Santa Fe Trail students as compared to the
other students in the State of Kansas. Grad Year English Math Reading Science Composite Total Tested Local 2005-2006 20.5 21.2 20.7 21.8 21.2 50 State 2005-2006 21.3 21.5 22.3 21.6 21.8 23056 As the associate principal explained, Santa Fe
Trail's professional staff is most concerned about
making improvement in reading scores. This effort
for improvement will be targeted in the 2006 - 07
school improvement plan. Board
Affirms District Initiatives for the 2005 - 2006
School Year Board members established its top priority for
the school year is to successfully pass the
November 7 school bond referendum. Many extra hours
of community meetings and extra committee work were
endorsed as top priorities for each board member.
Other initiatives the board endorsed for the school
year included: BOE
Continues Examines Comparability Reports for
Classified Employee Wages Board members received its second in a series of
reports reviewing wages paid to classified
employees. Up for review at the 9.11 meeting were
the categories of health education staff and food
service staff. The average wage paid to health
education workers in Santa Fe Trail is $10.16 per
hour while the comparability group reflected an
average wage of $14 per hour. The average wage paid
to food service workers in Santa Fe Trail is $9.52
per hour while the comparability group reflected an
average wage of $10.56 per hour. General
Fund Budget Adjustments -
Projected The governing body listened to a brief review of
conditions affecting the general fund budget for
fiscal year '07. It will be necessary for the
superintendent to reduce expenditures by an
estimated $21,000 in order to adjust for a lower
than expected September 20 enrollment. Reductions
in line items will not affect any basic operations
found in the four attendance centers. The board
also endorsed a recommendation from the FAST LANE
Advisory Board to begin charging $1 per day for any
student who participates in the early morning
supervisory hour provided by FAST LANE. Board
Conducts Executive Session The board of education conducted a forty minute
closed door session to discuss contract talks with
the Santa Fe Trail Education Association and to
review items pertaining to non-elected personnel.
Following the executive session, the board affirmed
a newly drafted job description for Accounting
Clerk II. BOE
Reviews One Policy and Sets A Direction for
Employee Identification Badges The board gave tentative approval to a revised
board policy affecting the teaching of human
sexuality and AIDS education within district
schools. The board also endorsed new district
employee handbook language requiring all school
district employees to begin wearing easy to
identify personal name tags effective January 1,
2007. Board
Approves the Consent Agenda The board provided unanimous consent for the
following: Superintendent's
Report Receives Attention The last item of the evening found the board
reviewing communications from each attendance
center, reports from district administrators and
directors, an update from the Three Lakes Education
Cooperative, received an update concerning the
future use of a board appointed attorney to
represent the district in various matters, and
discussed general topics affecting extra-curricular
activities, transportation, and other miscellaneous
topics. Board
Meeting Adjournment President Brad Shaffer adjourned the September
11 meeting at 8:40 PM. The next meeting will be
conducted at the Scranton Attendance Center on
Monday, September 25 beginning at 6 PM in the media
center of the school. Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of Education Monday,
August 28, 2006 Regular
Meeting The board of education convened its meeting at
the Overbrook Attendance Center at 6 pm. In the
current school year, the governing body has
determined it will conduct several meetings at each
attendance center to make the board's business
meetings as accessible as possible. In addition,
the board will often visit a certain part of each
school and will always listen to a special
presentation from building principals concerning
program highlights. Prior to the regular board meeting, the
governing body toured the Overbrook Early Childhood
building to learn first-hand of the program
offerings there and to better understand space
needs. Program
Spotlight: Grade Three Overbrook
Instructors Overbrook Principal Gary Foulke introduced
Instructors Melanie Wallace and Amy Huizenga. Each
presented an overview of grade three instruction
strategies and discussed at some length the
concepts of flexible groups with students in
addition to collaborative efforts to teach as
partners. As part of the Overbrook Program Spotlight,
representatives of the Overbrook Parent Teacher
Organization, Dana Mentzer and Stephanie Ziegler,
provided an overview of the PTO's annual activities
and goals. BOE
Discusses November 7 Bond
Referendum Board of Education members discussed at some
length the upcoming election to provide nearly
$14.5 million in facility improvements. Efforts to
organize patron support groups and discussion to
actively involve each board member were
reviewed. Discussed at length were the topics of the
current junior high organizational structure in the
school district and the changes that will be
necessary in the next three to four years. The
board of education informally acknowledged the need
to restructure in grades seven and eight regardless
of the bond campaign's outcome. More discussion
regarding this topic will take place following the
election on November 7. Opening of
Schools Reports from District
Leaders Each school principal and department director
provided both written and oral reports concerning
the opening of schools. The school year has begun
very smoothly with many new staff and several new
program initiatives underway. Enrollment has
dropped district wide by nearly 53 students.
Graduating large upper level classes and enrolling
very small kindergarten classes accounts for most
of the loss. Out-of-district student enrollment has
dropped significantly while very few new families
are moving into any of the district's three
communities. FAST LANE Program Director Sheree Gill provided
a very upbeat report concerning the numbers of
children attending before school and after school
programs. 2006
Spring Testing Results Assistant Supt. Sheree Gill provided final
reports for the Kansas Assessment Program and the
Measures of Academic Progress Testing Program. Both
testing programs were administered in the spring of
2006. Both testing programs overall reported above
average results when compared to other schools and
averages. Most importantly, all district schools
exceeded the minimum standards for the No Child
Left Behind Program legislation. For the third
consecutive year, all schools in Santa Fe Trail USD
434 have exceeded the standards as measured by
Adequate Yearly Progress. Assistant Supt. Sheree
Gill commended district students, teachers, support
staff, and principals in reaching the levels of
success. Summer
Evaluation for FAST LANE and the Remedial Summer
School Santa Fe Trail USD 434 provided numerous
learning programs for the month of June 2006.
Results showed a normal amount of participation in
both the extra programs sponsored by FAST LANE and
within the remedial schools. Due to declining
federal grant funding and declining local
resources, the assistant superintendent reported
that a comprehensive program review will begin
immediately in order to more effectively plan for
the summer of '07. School
Health Education Annual Report is
Received School Registered Nurse Jeanette Lewis provided
to the board of education a program review for the
school year 2005 - 06. The district employs one
registered nurse, two licensed practical nurses,
and two health paraprofessionals. In the past year,
the health rooms of district schools saw a total of
21,063 visits with Overbrook at the highest number
(7,398) and Scranton the lowest (2,332). The
average per day throughout the school district in
2005 - 06 was 120 health room visits. Comparability
Wage Report Part I - Maintenance and
Operations The board of education received its first
comparability report for wages paid to classified
workers. The average wage per hour for building
level maintenance workers in USD 434 is $9.87 per
hour as compared to the comparability group which
had a high average of $14.55 (Shawnee Heights) and
a low of $8.62 (Burlingame). The average wage per
hour for building level supervisors in USD 434 is
$12.31 as compared to the comparability group which
had a high average of $19.48 (Osage City) and a low
of $9.70 (Burlingame). Other employee groups will
be reported in the months ahead. BOE
Approves the Consent Agenda Board of education members unanimously approved
the consent agenda that included: Executive
Session The board of education conducted a short
executive session to review non-elected personnel
and professional employee negotiations. Following
the executive session, the board took no formal
action. Superintendent's
Report The board reviewed communications from each
school and from department directors. In addition,
the board received a brief update from Member Fred
Berry concerning the Three Lakes Education
Cooperative. Next
Meeting The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail Board of
Education will take place on Monday, September 11
beginning at 6 pm. The meeting will be held at the
District Administrative Center Board Room. Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of Education Monday,
August 14, 2006 Regular
Meeting The board of education arrived early on Monday,
August 14 to provide greetings and a light dinner
to new employees of Santa Fe Trail USD 434. Out of
32 new persons working in the school district this
year, over 20 attended the fellowship activity with
board members and administrators. Board President Brad Shaffer convened the
regular meeting at 6 pm with all members in
attendance. The public hearing concerning the
school budget for 2006 - 07 was called to order.
Superintendent Terry Schmidt presented an overview
of proposed expenditures and sources of revenue.
Santa Fe Trail expects to enroll fewer children in
the new school year as compared to one year ago.
Following the budget presentation the board took
unanimous action to approve the proposed budget
plan. There were no district patrons in the
audience with budget questions or comments. BOE
Endorses a School Facility Improvement Plan and
Referendum After a full year of study, listening, debate,
and consensus building, the Santa Fe Trail school
board has unanimously endorsed seeking voter
approval for a 14.5 million dollar improvement
plan. School District Architect John Howard and
Financial Adviser John McArthur provided additional
clarifications for board member concerns prior to
the vote. The board proposes to make significant
improvements and additions to Santa Fe Trail High
School which is beginning its 37th year of use
without substantial changes. Additionally, the
board proposes to move its grade seven and eight
students to the high school to share in new band,
music, art, and drama facilities. Contained in the
14.5 million dollar issue is: The bond referendum will take place on Tuesday,
November 7 during the regular general election.
Voters rejected the last school improvement project
proposed one year ago by a 3 to 2 margin district
wide. During the year of reflection, planning, and
proposals, district architects have suggested the
district has lost nearly 10% of its purchasing
power through inflation. The new bond proposal, if
approved, will take 20 years to retire and will
require an estimated average mill levy of 11.39
mills. Other
Board Business . . . The board tabled a proposal from the
Professional Development Council to provide several
late school day starts in order to give school
staff time to work within small groups for school
improvement activities. The board asked for an
alternative plan that would not decrease the amount
of instructional time for students. Assistant Supt.
Sheree Gill will return with an alternative
proposal at the next meeting on August 28. The board conducted a lengthy executive session
to discuss personnel and professional employee
negotiations. The board took formal action concerning
personnel by approving contracts for: The board unanimously approved the consent
agenda that included: minutes from the July 1, 2006
meeting; acceptance of resignation letters from
Carrie Eagle, LPN, Greg Nilges, instructor, Delores
Carroll, food service, Candy Barr, food service,
and Doug Franzen, maintenance; and approved
out-of-district enrollment for Dante Pabillora and
Sarah Romer. Superintendent's
Report The board reviewed communications from the
schools and from department directors. In addition,
the board received a brief update from Member Fred
Berry concerning the Three Lakes Education
Cooperative. Announcements concerning future Kansas
Association of School Boards meetings were
shared. Next
Meeting The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail Board of
Education will take place on Monday, August 28 at
the Overbrook Attendance Center Media Center. The
formal meeting is set to begin at 6 pm. Prior to
the regular meeting, the board will tour the early
childhood annex building.
Santa
Fe Trail USD 434 Board of Education Saturday,
July 1, 2006 Regular
Meeting The board of education convened its first
meeting of the new business year on Saturday, July
1 at 7:30 AM. Immediate Past President Brad Shaffer
chaired this opening meeting. The first meeting in
July is conducted to elect officers and to complete
all organizational business for the new twelve
month period. Election
of Officers The board re-elected Brad Shaffer as Board
President and Fred Berry as Board
Vice-President. Consent
Agenda Receives Unanimous
Approval The board by unanimous consent approved the
following items: Board
Meeting Adjournment Newly elected Board President Shaffer adjourned
the meeting at 7:44 AM. Next
Meeting The next meeting of the Santa Fe Trail Board of
Education will take place on Monday, August 14
beginning at 6 pm. The meeting will be held at the
District Administrative Center Board Room. |
